If you’re tempted to go vegetarian but have no idea what your diet would consist of apart from potato waffles and frozen vegetables, look no further. Whether you’re dipping your toes into #meatfreemonday or if you’re taking a plunge and challenging yourself to #Veganuary, we’ve rounded up our favourite vegetarian and vegan watering holes. From savoury to sweet, being meat free never tasted so great.

Mildred’s

Based in Soho and most recently Camden, Mildred’s is Mecca for the vegetarian Londoner. It’s always packed out and there’s a no bookings policy so you’ll most likely have to treat yourself to a drink at the bar while you wait for your table; we’ve never turned down the excuse of another drink so it’s really no hardship. The menu draws on both Asian and Middle Eastern influences serving up sweet potato curry, black bean and tomatillo burritos, stir fry, halloumi burgers and other delectable meat free options. Grab yourself a friend and hit the road.

Tip: They’ve also released a cookbook so you can whip up these dishes at home too.

Okay, so it’s not quite a restaurant, but if you’re dabbling in veganism, Vx is the place you need to be. It’s London’s oldest vegan lifestyle boutique (soon to be opening a second store in Bristol). They sell all kinds of vegan treats, both savoury and sweet; from kebabs, hotdogs and burgers to delicious vegan sweets, vegan cheeses, and fancy French patisserie. Head down to King’s Cross and have a snoop around.

Location: 73 Caledonian Road, N1 9BT

Itadaki Zen, Kings Cross

Yes, it is possible to be vegetarian or vegan and still eat sushi. Cue resounding cheers. Itadaki Zen as a vegan Japanese restaurant was the first of its kind in Europe. Expect to find a primarily noodle, tofu and seaweed menu.

Location: 139 King’s Cross Road, WC1X 9BJ

Nama

Based in Notting Hill, Nama Foods is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant that won’t scare away your meat-eating pals. Take them here for a dose of delicious food including Thai coconut curry, chilli with guacamole and sour cream or even test it out for brunch and opt for the blueberry stacking pancakes or smashed avocado on toast.

Location: 110 Talbot Road, W11 1JR

Hummus Bros

With branches in Holborn, St Pauls, Exmouth Market and Gray’s Inn Road there’s a whole loada hummus to be had for all. Although they serve meat toppings, there are plenty of vege options to be had including guacamole, falafel and aubergine.

Rasa

Rasa is a Sanskrit word that means taste, flavour, delight, and beauty (among other things) all of which can be found at Rasa, a vegetarian Indian restaurant. Opened in 1997, the Stoke Newington branch of Rasa was the first of what is now a chain of Rasa’s that stretch as far as Birmingham. Find almost everything on the menu for under a tenner. Steal!

Location: 55 Stoke Newington Church Street London N16 OAR

Rubys of London

An artisan vegan bakery, we hear you say? They stock a variety of delicious baked goods including mini loaves, cupcakes, cake slices, biscuits, brownies and only the BEST damn vegan doughnuts you’ll ever lay eyes on. Just look at those doughnuts.

P.S Vegan tip: Subscribe to The Vegan Kind for a monthly vegan goody box. Based in Glasgow, they send out sweet vegan treats and savoury snacks to help you discover new vegan brands; guaranteed to be the tastiest post you’ll ever receive.